Video game with real world scanning aspects

ABSTRACT

Facets of a video game are modified based on scanning of bar codes. The bar codes may be bar codes of retail products. The facets of the video game may one or more of availability of game characters for use in play of the video game, characteristics of the game characters, availability or characteristics of in-game items, or game player status.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/950,882, filed on Dec. 19, 2019,the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to video games, and moreparticularly to video games providing for real world interaction.

Video games provide a source of entertainment for many. Video gamesoften provide an interactive activity that can be interesting andchallenging, and may allow game players to engage in simulatedactivities that may otherwise be unavailable. This simulated activity isgenerally provided by way of a compute device, whether a generalcomputer, game console, or portable electronic device with a processor,for example a smartphone. Unfortunately, the use of such equipment maylack interaction with the broader physical world.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Some embodiments provide video game play benefits for scanning of realworld bar codes. In some embodiments game players may unlock access togame characters, obtain points, modify game character abilities, and/orobtain useful or interesting items for use in video game play byscanning bar codes. In some embodiments the bar codes are real world barcodes of retail products, in some embodiments the bar codes are realworld bar codes provided specifically for use with respect to the videogame, and in some embodiments the bar codes are both. In someembodiments a game player may use a smartphone to scan one or more barcodes, resulting in unlocking playable game characters or abilities ofthose game characters, obtain points for use in the video game, and/orobtain in-game items. In some embodiments, available game characters,their characteristics, including their abilities, point levels of a gameplayer, and in-game items may all be considered facets of video gameplay.

Some embodiments provide a method for providing video game play benefitsfor scanning of bar codes, comprising: receiving information of a barcode; determining a modification to a facet of a video game associatedwith at least some of the information of the bar code; modifying thefacet of the video game with the determined modification; and providingfor play of the video game. In some embodiments the facet of the videogame is availability of at least one video game character for control bya game player. In some embodiments the facet of the video game isavailability of at least one in-game item for use in play of the videogame. In some embodiments the facet of the video game is acharacteristic of at least one video game character. In some embodimentsthe facet of the video game is a characteristic of at least one in-gameitem for use in play of the video game.

Some embodiments provide a non-transitory computer readable memorystoring program instructions, the program instructions comprisingprogram instructions to configure at least one processor to: receiveinformation of a bar code; determine a modification to a facet of avideo game associated with at least some of the information of the barcode; modify the facet of the video game with the determinedmodification; and provide for play of the video game.

These and other aspects of the invention are more fully comprehendedupon review of this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a semi-block diagram of a networked system, with a portableelectronic device proximate an item with a bar code, in accordance withaspects of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a process for providing video game playbenefits for scanning of real world bar codes, in accordance withaspects of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a process for processing information of ascan of a bar code, in accordance with aspects of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a process for correlating a bar code with amodification of a facet of video game play, in accordance with aspectsof the invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a process for modifying a facet of videogame play, in accordance with aspects of the invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a process for determining if a bar code scanmay be used to provide video game play benefits, in accordance withaspects of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a semi-block diagram of a networked system, with a portableelectronic device proximate an item with a bar code, in accordance withaspects of the invention. FIG. 1 shows a portable electronic device 131scanning a bar code 135 on a package 133. The portable electronic deviceincludes one or more processors, one or more user input devices, and animaging device, for example a camera. The imaging device may be used inscanning of the bar code. In many embodiments the portable electronicdevice also includes a display, and in many embodiments communicationcircuitry, for example cellular and/or WiFi communication circuitry, andin some embodiments position location circuitry, for example GPScircuitry. In many embodiments the portable electronic device is asmartphone. In some embodiments the bar codes are one-dimensional barcodes. In some embodiments the bar codes are two-dimensional or matrixbar codes, for example a QR code or some other two-dimensional or matrixbar code. In some embodiments the bar codes are three-dimensional barcodes. In some embodiments the bar codes are bar codes on retailpackages. In some embodiments the bar codes are in a UPC and/or EANformat. In some embodiments the bar codes are bar codes in compliancewith an EAN standard (for example EAN-8 and/or EAN-13 or 14) and/or aGTIN standard (for example GTIN, GTIN-12, GTIN-13, and/or GTIN-14). Insome embodiments the bar codes are bar codes on items provided within aretail package. For example, in some embodiments the bar codes may beprovided on a substrate, for example a piece of paper or laminate,within another retail package, for example a retail package for aproduct for or related to the video game, or some other product. In someembodiments the bar codes are bar codes on items provided separate froma retail package, for example on advertising or marketing displays,which may in some embodiments be presented on the display of anelectronic device.

In some embodiments the portable electronic device is configured forplay of a video game by a game player. For example, in some embodimentsa processor of the portable electronic device, responsive to inputs fromthe user input devices, may command display on the device's display of agame player controlled game character, controlled based on the inputsfrom the user input device, in and interacting with a virtual world ofgame play. In some embodiments various facets of play of the video gameare dependent on the scanning of bar codes by the portable electronicdevice. In some embodiments a plurality of game characters potentiallymay be available for game player control, with actual availability forat least one or more of the plurality of game players dependent onscanning of bar codes by the portable electronic device of the gameplayer. In some embodiments in-game items may also be available for usein game play by game characters controlled by a game player, again withsuch availability dependent on scanning of bar codes by the portableelectronic device. In some embodiments characteristics of gamecharacters and/or in-game items may be modified, for example also basedon scanning of bar codes by the portable electronic device. In someembodiments levels, maps, areas, modes, or features of the video gamemay be made available dependent on scanning to bar codes by the portableelectronic device.

In some embodiments the portable electronic device may scan the barcode, and determine a modification to a facet of game play based on thescanned bar code. In some embodiments the portable electronic device mayinstead or in addition provide information of the scanned bar code overa network 141 to a server 143. In such embodiments, the server maydetermine the modification to a facet of game play based on theinformation of the scanned bar code, and provide information as to themodification to the facet of game play to the portable electronic deviceinformation.

In some embodiments play of the video game may instead or in additionoccur using a compute device other than the personal electronic device.For example, in some embodiments play of the video game may occur usinga video game system 109. The use of the video game system 109 for playof the video game is optional in some embodiments, not provided in someembodiments, and required in some embodiments. In some embodiments thevideo game system includes a game console 111 with a processor forexecuting program instructions providing for game play and associatedcircuitry, user input devices such as a game controller 115, and adisplay device 123 for displaying game action. Some video game systemsmay also optionally include a peripheral device 105, and a toy 150,which in various embodiments includes a rewritable or read-only memory.

As with the portable electronic device, the processor of the gameconsole 111, responsive to inputs from the user input devices maycommand display on the display device of one or more game characters inand interacting with the virtual world of game play. The game consolemay also receive bar code scan information or information as to amodification to a facet of game play based on bar code scan informationfrom the portable electronic device. In some embodiments the gameconsole may receive the information by way of a network, for examplenetwork 141. In some embodiments the game console may receive theinformation as to a modification to a facet of game play based on barcode scan information from a server, for example the server 143. In suchembodiments the server may determine the modification to a facet of gameplay based on bar code scan information from a portable electronicdevice.

In some embodiments the optional peripheral device 105 may also providethe capability to read and write information to the toy 150. The toy 150may include machine-readable/writable information, for example, memoryor a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, which includesinformation regarding one or more game characters. In some embodimentsone or more aspects of the functionality of the optional peripheraldevice 105 may be present in the game console 111. In some embodimentsthe toy 150 may include one or more wireless communication devices suchas an RFID device, a near-field communication (NFC) device, a Bluetoothdevice, or any other wireless communication device that allows the toy150 to send/receive information to/from the optional peripheral device105 or game console 111. In some embodiments the processor may includecharacters in game play based on inputs from the peripheral device 105.In some embodiments, the inclusion of such characters in game play maybe in addition to allowing inclusion of game characters in game playbased on scanning of one or more bar codes by a portable electronicdevice.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram of a process for providing video game playbenefits for scanning of real world bar codes, in accordance withaspects of the invention. In some embodiments the process of FIG. 2 isperformed by a system, for example the system of FIG. 1. In someembodiments the process is performed by one or more portable electronicdevices, for example one or more of the portable electronic devices ofFIG. 1. In some embodiments the process is performed by a smartphone. Insome embodiments the process is performed by a smartphone and a server.In some embodiments the process is performed by a smartphone and a videogame system. In some embodiments the process is performed by asmartphone, a video game system, and a server. In some embodiments theprocess is performed by one or more processors configured by programinstructions.

In block 211 the process processes bar code scan information. In someembodiments the process correlates a number associated with a bar codewith a modification to a facet of a video game. In some embodiments thefacet of the video game is availability of a game character for use by agame player in video game play. In some embodiments the facet of thevideo game is one or more characteristics of a game character controlledby the game player. In some embodiments the facet of the video game isavailability of an in-game item, or a modification of one or morecharacteristics of the in-game item. In some embodiments the facet ofthe video game is a number of points of or for the game player. In someembodiments the facet of the video game is the availability of one ormore levels, maps, areas, modes, or features of the video game.

In some embodiments the bar code scan information is information of abar code. In some embodiments the obtained bar code scan information isa value, for example a number. In some embodiments the bar code scaninformation uniquely indicates a manufacturer and a product. In someembodiments the bar code is in the form of a Universal Product Code(UPC), an International Article Number (IAN), or a European ArticleNumber (EAN). In some embodiments the bar code scan information may ormay not indicate manufacturer and a product, but may indicate a valuehaving significance to a process determining video game play benefitsfor scanning of bar codes.

In some embodiments the bar code scan information is obtained byobtaining image information of a bar code and processing the imageinformation to obtain the bar code scan information. In some embodimentsthe image information is obtained by an imaging device of a portableelectronic device, which in some embodiments may be a camera of asmartphone. In some embodiments the camera forms an image of a bar codeon a retail product and/or packaging or a tag for a retail product. Insome embodiments the camera forms an image of a bar code on a substrate,which may be provided within a retail product or otherwise. For example,in some embodiments the camera forms an image of a bar code on a pieceof paper or laminate, with the piece of paper or laminate provided withsome good related to the video game.

In some embodiments a processor of the portable electronic deviceexecutes program instructions to analyze the image information todetermine the value, for example the number, represented by the barcode. In some embodiments the portable electronic device transmitsinformation of the image to a server, and the server determines thevalue represented by the bar code. In some embodiments the servertransmits an indication of the value represented by the bar code to theportable electronic device. In some embodiments the server transmits theindication of the value represented by the bar code to a video gamesystem.

In some embodiments the process uses the value represented by the barcode to determine a modification to a facet of a video game. In someembodiments the portable electronic device determines the modification,in some embodiments the server determines the modification. In someembodiments indications of a plurality of possible modifications arestored in memory. In some embodiments the value represented by the barcode is used in selecting one or more of the possible modifications. Insome embodiments the value represented by the bar code may be used anindex or pointer to a lookup table or other data structure, or be usedin generating the index or pointer. In some embodiments only part of thevalue represented by the bar code may be used as the index or pointer,or be used in generating the index or pointer. For example, in someembodiments, only portions of the value indicative of a companyidentifier may be so used, and, in some embodiments, only portions ofthe value indicative of a product may be so used.

In some embodiments different values represented by the bar code mayresult in selection of different ones of the possible modifications Forexample, a value of 047875877542 may result in selection of a firstparticular modification, while a value of 047875877543 may result inselection of a second particular modification.

In some embodiments different values represented by the bar code mayresult in selection of different ones of the possible modifications,while other values may all result in selection of a single possiblemodification. For example, a value of 047875877542 may result inselection of a first particular modification, a value of 047875877543may result in selection of a second particular modification, while avalue of any of 047875877544, 047875877545, or 047875877547 may allresult in selection of a third particular modification. In someembodiments some values may result in selection of a default possiblemodification, and in some embodiments some values may result inselection of no modification at all.

In some embodiments the process queries a database to determine anaspect associated with the bar code, such as a manufacturer, product,country of origin, date of manufacture, or any other aspect associatedwith the bar code. In some embodiments the portable electronic device orthe server may query another server, which may maintain or have accessto information correlating bar code values with aspects such asmanufactures and/or products, in order to determine the manufacturerand/or product associated with the bar code. In some embodiments theprocess may select a possible modification based on an identity of amanufacturer and a product returned by the other server in response tothe query. In some embodiments the process may select a possiblemodification based on an identity of a manufacturer returned by theother server in response to the query. In some embodiments the processmay select a possible modification based on an identity of a productreturned by the other server in response to the query. In someembodiments the process may select a possible modification based on someother aspect or aspects associated with the bar codes.

In block 213 the process modifies a facet of a video game. In someembodiments the modified facet of the video game is availability of atleast one video game character for control by a game player. Forexample, in some embodiments a plurality of game characters potentiallymay be selected by a game player for use in play of the video game, withthe game characters actually available for selection limited to those“unlocked” for game play. The unlocking of game characters, or at leastsome of them, may be based on scanning of bar codes by the game player,for example using the gameplayer's smartphone. In some embodiments themodified facet of the video game is availability of at least one in-gameitem for use in play of the video game. For example, in some embodimentsa particular in-game item, for example a tool, weapon, or accoutrement,may be available for use by a game character controlled by a game playerbased on scanning of bar codes by the game player. Also for example, insome embodiments a number of points or tokens available for use by thegame player during game play may be increased. In some embodiments themodified facet of the video game is a characteristic of at least onevideo game character. For example, in some embodiments a health value, astrength value, or some other characteristic may be increased (ordecreased) based on scanning of bar codes by the game player. In someembodiments the modified facet of the video game is a characteristic ofat least one in-game item for use in play of the video game. Forexample, in some embodiments the in-game item may be provided a new orenhanced capability. In some embodiments the modified facet of the videogame is the availability of one or more levels, maps, areas, modes, orfeatures of the video game.

In block 215 the process provides for play of the video game, with thefacet of the video game modified as discussed with respect to block 213(noting that in some embodiments the facet of the video game so modifiedby may be further modified as part of play of the video game. In someembodiments the process presents a game player controlled gamecharacter, or a view from a viewpoint of a game player controlled gamecharacter, with the game character controlled based on the inputs fromthe user input device, in and interacting with a virtual world of gameplay. In some embodiments the process provides the presentation on adisplay of a portable electronic device. In some embodiments the processprovides the presentation on a display of a video game system.

The process thereafter returns.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a process for processing information of ascan of a bar code, in accordance with aspects of the invention. In someembodiments the process of FIG. 3 is performed by a system, for examplethe system of FIG. 1. In some embodiments the process is performed byone or more portable electronic devices, for example one or more of theportable electronic devices of FIG. 1. In some embodiments the processis performed by a smartphone. In some embodiments the process isperformed by a smartphone and a server. In some embodiments the processis performed by a smartphone and a video game system. In someembodiments the process is performed by a smartphone, a video gamesystem, and a server. In some embodiments the process is performed byone or more processors configured by program instructions. In someembodiments the process performs operations of block 211 of the processof FIG. 2.

In block 311 the process receives a value indicating information of abar code scan. In some embodiments a bar code is scanned and a value,for example a numeric value, is obtained and provided to the process. Insome embodiments a bar code is scanned by way of taking an image of thebar code with an imaging device, for example a camera of a smartphone,and executing program instructions for determining values (e.g. bar codenumbers) for imaged bar codes. There are a number of softwareapplications (“apps”) available for smartphone that provide suchfunctions. Some embodiments may make use of such apps, while someembodiments may implement such functions directly.

In optional block 313 the process performs scan validity processing. Insome embodiments the process determines that a bar code scan is valid,e.g. may be used, if certain criteria are met, or, alternatively, thatcertain criteria have not been met. In some embodiments the bar codescan is considered valid if the bar code has not been scanned before bythe game player. In some embodiments the bar code scan is consideredvalid if the bar code has not been scanned by the game player within animmediately preceding predetermined period of time, for example 30seconds. In some embodiments the bar code is considered valid if the barcode has been scanned while the smartphone is within a predeterminedgeographic area, for example as indicated by GPS circuitry of thesmartphone.

In optional block 315 (performed if block 313 is performed) the processdetermines if the bar code scan is valid, for example as discussed withrespect to block 313. If the scan is not valid, the process returns.Otherwise the process continues to block 317.

In block 317 the process determines a modification to a facet of a videogame associated with the information of the bar code scan, e.g. the barcode number. In some embodiments determines the modification to thefacet of the video by querying a database, table, list, or other datastructure correlating bar code numbers with modifications to facets ofthe video game. In some embodiments the process queries a firstdatabase, table, list, or other data structure correlating bar codenumbers with modifications to facets of the video game, and if the queryprovides no results, queries a second database, table, list, or otherdata structure correlating bar code numbers, or portions thereof, withmanufacturers and/or products associated with the bar code numbers. Insome embodiments the process uses information regarding themanufacturers and/or products to determine the modification to the facetof the video game.

The process thereafter returns.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a process for correlating a bar code with amodification of a facet of video game play, in accordance with aspectsof the invention. In some embodiments the process of FIG. 4 is performedby a system, for example the system of FIG. 1. In some embodiments theprocess is performed by one or more portable electronic devices, forexample one or more portable electronic devices of FIG. 1. In someembodiments the process is performed by a smartphone. In someembodiments the process is performed by a smartphone and a server. Insome embodiments the process is performed by a smartphone, a video gamesystem, and a server. In some embodiments the process is performed byone or more processors configured by program instructions. In someembodiments the process performs operations of block 211 of the processof FIG. 2. In some embodiments the process performs operations of block317 of the process of FIG. 3.

In block 411 the process checks a value of a scanned bar code with adataset correlating predetermined bar code values with modifications tofacets of a video game. The dataset correlating predetermined bar codevalues with modifications to facets of the video game may be considereda code dataset in some embodiments. In some embodiments the code datasetis in the form of an index or a lookup table or other data structure. Insome embodiments the code dataset correlates different values for thescanned bar code with different modifications to facets of the videogame. For example, in some embodiments a value of 047875877542 may becorrelated with a first particular modification, while a value of047875877543 may be correlated with a second particular modification. Insome embodiments the code dataset may correlate some different valuesfor the scanned bar code with the same modification. For example, insome embodiments a value of 047875877542 and value of 047875877543 maybe both correlated with a first particular modification, while a valueof 047875877551 may be correlated with a second particular modification.In some embodiments a value of 047875877542 may, at different times orunder different circumstances, be correlated with different particularmodifications. In some embodiments the value of the scanned bar codeindicates a manufacturer and a product. In some embodiments the value ofthe scanned bar code may or may not indicate manufacturer and a productbut may indicate a value having significance to a process determiningvideo game play benefits for scanning barcodes. In some embodiments thecode dataset is accessed in a portable electronic device or a smartphonememory. In some embodiments the code dataset is accessed on a video gameserver or a server associated with the video game. In some embodimentsthe code dataset is accessed on a third-party server or a plurality ofthird-party servers. In some embodiments code dataset is updatedperiodically.

In some embodiments the player of the video game may be prompted orinstructed to scan certain bar codes or bar codes associated withcertain products or advertising or marketing displays. In someembodiments the player may receive the prompt or instruction from withinthe video game. In some embodiments the player may receive the prompt orinstruction outside of the video game, for example from a website orsocial media site associated with the video game or a particularproduct. In some embodiments the prompt or instruction may have anassociated time limit for scanning the particular bar code(s) or barcode(s) associated with certain products or advertising, for example,some number or hours, days, weeks, or months.

In block 413, the process determines whether the value of the scannedbar code is found in the dataset correlating predetermined bar codevalues with modifications to facets of the video game. In someembodiments the value of the scanned bar code is considered to be foundin the code dataset if the value of the scanned bar code is associatedin the dataset with at least one modification to a facet of the videogame. In some embodiments the value of the scanned bar code is inaddition or instead considered to be found in the code dataset if atleast a predetermined number of consecutive digits, letters, or symbolsof the value of the scanned bar code is associated in the code datasetwith at least one modification to a facet of the video game. If thevalue of the scanned bar code is found in the code dataset, the processcontinues to block 415. Otherwise the process continues to block 417.

In block 415, the process sets a game facet modification, or selects amodification to a facet of the video game, as indicated by the codedataset. In some embodiments the selection of the modification isdependent on the value of the scanned bar code. In some embodiments thevalue of the scanned bar code is used in selecting one of the pluralityof possible modifications. In some embodiments the value of the scannedbar code is used as a pointer into the code dataset. In some embodimentsthe value of the scanned bar code is used in generating a pointer intothe code dataset. In some embodiments the pointer is used to select arecord, indicating the modification, in the code dataset.

In some embodiments the modification is a virtual reward aiding inadvancing in the video game. In some embodiments the virtual reward istriggered by the scanned bar code. In some embodiments the virtualreward is assigned randomly, for example at a time of accessing the codedataset. In some embodiments there is a virtual reward tier systemhaving a plurality of tiers based on a virtual worth of the virtualreward in the video game. In such embodiments the virtual reward fromone of the plurality of tiers may be determined at a time of accessingthe code dataset. In some embodiments the virtual reward is virtualpoints for leveling up stats of or unlocking virtual items or skins forvirtual video game characters. In some embodiments the reward isunlocking virtual items or skins. In some embodiments the reward isunlocking virtual items or skins that are virtual renderings or virtualderivatives of real-world products or objects by scanning bar codes ofthe real-world products or objects that match the at least one bar codedata point in the predetermined bar code dataset. In some embodimentsthe reward is unlocking one of a plurality of virtual video gamecharacters. In some embodiments the reward is related to an attribute ofa manufacturer or a manufacturer's good for which the at least one barcode data point from the predetermined bar code dataset is scanned. Forexample, scanning a water bottle's barcode found in the predeterminedbar code data set may trigger a reward in the form of virtual points forleveling up virtual game characters with water-based powers. In someembodiments the reward is related to an attribute of a predeterminedreal-world location or area where the bar code from the predeterminedbar code dataset is scanned. For example, scanning the at least one barcode data point from the predetermined bar code dataset at a beach maytrigger the reward in the form of virtual points for leveling up virtualgame characters with water-based powers.

Thereafter, the process returns.

In block 417, the process checks a portion of a value of a scanned barcode with a dataset correlating predetermined portions of bar codevalues with modifications to facets of a video game. In some embodimentsthe predetermined portions of the bar codes may indicate a manufacturerof a product. The dataset correlating predetermined portions of bar codevalues with modifications to facets of the video game may be considereda manufacturer dataset in some embodiments. In some embodiments themanufacturer dataset is in the form of an index or a lookup table orother data structure. In some embodiments the manufacturer datasetcorrelates different values for the portions of scanned bar code withdifferent modifications to facets of the video game. For example, insome embodiments a value of 047875 may be correlated with a firstparticular modification, while a different value may be correlated witha second particular modification. In some embodiments the manufacturerdataset may correlate some different values for the scanned bar codewith the same modification. For example, in some embodiments a value of047875 and a first different value may be both correlated with a firstparticular modification, while a value of second different value may becorrelated with a second particular modification. In some embodiments avalue of 047875 may, at different times or under differentcircumstances, be correlated with different particular modifications. Insome embodiments the manufacturer dataset is accessed in a portableelectronic device or a smartphone memory. In some embodiments themanufacturer dataset is accessed on a video game server or a serverassociated with the video game. In some embodiments the manufacturerdataset is accessed on a third-party server or a plurality ofthird-party servers. In some embodiments manufacturer dataset is updatedperiodically.

In block 419, the process determines whether the portion of the value ofthe scanned bar code is found in the dataset correlating predeterminedportions of bar code values with modifications to facets of the videogame. In some embodiments the value of the portion of the scanned barcode is considered to be found in the manufacturer dataset if theportion of the value of the scanned bar code is associated in thedataset with at least one modification to a facet of the video game. Insome embodiments the portion of the value of the scanned bar code is inaddition or instead considered to be found in the manufacturer datasetif at least a predetermined number of consecutive digits, letters, orsymbols of the value of the scanned bar code is associated in themanufacturer dataset with at least one modification to a facet of thevideo game. If the value of the scanned bar code is found in themanufacturer dataset, the process continues to block 421. Otherwise theprocess continues to block 423.

In block 421, the process sets a game facet modification, or selects amodification to a facet of the video game, as indicated by themanufacturer dataset. In some embodiments the selection of themodification is dependent on the portion of the value of the scanned barcode. In some embodiments the portion of the value of the scanned barcode is used in selecting one of the plurality of possiblemodifications. In some embodiments the portion of the value of thescanned bar code is used as a pointer into the manufacturer dataset. Insome embodiments the portion of the value of the scanned bar code isused in generating a pointer into the manufacturer dataset. In someembodiments the pointer is used to select a record, indicating themodification, in the manufacturer dataset.

In some embodiments the modification is a virtual reward aiding inadvancing in the video game. In some embodiments the virtual reward istriggered by the scanned bar code. In some embodiments the virtualreward is assigned randomly, for example at a time of accessing themanufacturer dataset. In some embodiments there is a virtual reward tiersystem having a plurality of tiers based on a virtual worth of thevirtual reward in the video game. In such embodiments the virtual rewardfrom one of the plurality of tiers may be determined at a time ofaccessing the manufacturer dataset. In some embodiments the virtualreward is virtual points for leveling up stats of or unlocking virtualitems or skins for virtual video game characters. In some embodimentsthe reward is unlocking virtual items or skins. In some embodiments thereward is unlocking virtual items or skins that are virtual renderingsor virtual derivatives of real-world products or objects by scanning barcodes of the real-world products or objects that match the at least onebar code data point in the manufacturer dataset. In some embodiments thereward is unlocking one of a plurality of virtual video game characters.In some embodiments the reward is related to an attribute of amanufacturer or a manufacturer's goods. For example, scanning a waterbottle's barcode found in the predetermined bar code data set maytrigger a reward in the form of virtual points for leveling up virtualgame characters with water-based powers. In some embodiments the rewardis related to an attribute of a predetermined real-world location orarea where the bar code from the predetermined bar code dataset isscanned. For example, scanning the at least one bar code data point fromthe predetermined bar code dataset at a beach may trigger the reward inthe form of virtual points for leveling up virtual game characters withwater-based powers.

Thereafter, the process returns.

In block 423, the process performs a code or product query for thescanned bar code. In some embodiments the query provides the value ofthe scanned bar code to a server having access bar code valueinformation. In some embodiments the server returns information as to amanufacturer and, in some embodiments, a product associated with thevalue of the scanned bar code.

In block 425, the process determines whether query for the value of thescanned bar code provides a result indicating a manufacturer and, insome embodiments, a product. If so, the process continues to block 427.Otherwise the process continues to block 429.

In block 427, the process sets a game facet modification, or selects amodification to a facet of the video game, based on informationregarding the manufacturer and, in some embodiments, the productreturned by the query. In some embodiments the portable electronicdevice determines the modification, and in some embodiments a serverdetermines the modification. In some embodiments the modification is asdiscussed with respect to the modifications indicated by the codedataset and/or manufacture dataset.

Thereafter, the process returns.

In block 429, the process sets a game facet modification, or selects amodification to a facet of the video game to a default modification. Insome embodiments the default is a default virtual reward. In someembodiments the default virtual reward has lesser virtual worth than thevirtual rewards indicated by the code dataset and/or manufacturerdataset. In some embodiments the default virtual reward is apredetermined number of points usable in the video game. In someembodiments the default virtual reward is no reward.

Thereafter, the process returns.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a process for modifying a facet of videogame play, in accordance with aspects of the invention. In someembodiments the process of FIG. 5 is performed by a system, for examplethe system of FIG. 1. In some embodiments the process is performed byone or more portable electronic devices, for example one or moreportable electronic devices of FIG. 1. In some embodiments the processis performed by a smartphone. In some embodiments the process isperformed by a smartphone and a server. In some embodiments the processis performed by a smartphone, a video game system, and a server. In someembodiments the process is performed by one or more processorsconfigured by program instructions. In some embodiments the processperforms operations of block 213 of the process of FIG. 2.

In block 511 the process determines a game facet modification type. Insome embodiments, modifications of facets of game play may be one of amodification to game player status, a modification to game characteravailability for play status, a modification to game character status,or a modification to an in-game item status. In some embodiments theprocess determines the game facet modification type based on informationof a selected modification of a facet of video game play. In someembodiments other game facet modification types may be included. In someembodiments operations of block 511 are optional.

If the game facet modification type indicates a modification to gameplayer status, in block 513 the process modifies a game player status.In most embodiments the process modifies the game player status of thegame player who, through the scanning of bar codes, initiated themodification of game player status. In some embodiments the processmodifies the game player status by making additional points available tothe game player, for example to use during game play to modify gamecharacter and/or game item status.

If the game facet modification type indicates a modification to gamecharacter availability for play status, in block 515 the process makes agame character available for play by one or more game players. In someembodiments the process makes the game character available for play by agame player who, through the scanning of bar codes initiated the makingof the game character available for play. In some embodiments theprocess additionally or instead makes the game character available forplay by a game player designated by the game player who, through thescanning of bar codes initiated the making of the game characteravailable for play. In some embodiments the process additionally orinstead makes the game character available for play by a group of gameplayers on a same team as the game player who, through the scanning ofbar codes initiated the making of the game character available for play.

If the game facet modification type indicates a modification to gamecharacter status, in block 517 the process modifies a game characterstatus. In most embodiments the process modifies the game characterstatus of a game character controlled by the game player who, throughthe scanning of bar codes, initiated the modification of game characterstatus. In some embodiments the process modifies the game characterstatus by increasing one or more of a health, strength, or othercharacteristic of the game character. In some embodiments the processmodifies the game character status by modifying an elemental type of thegame character, for example making the game character a game characterof a fire element, a water element, or some other element. In someembodiments the process modifies the game character status by providingthe game character a new or improved capability.

If the game facet modification type indicates a modification to gameitem status, in block 519 the process modifies a game item status. Inmost embodiments the process modifies the game item status of a gameitem used by, or made available for use by, a game character controlledby the game player who, through the scanning of bar codes, initiated themodification of game character status. In some embodiments the processmodifies the game item status by making the game item available for useby a game character. In some embodiments the process modifies the gameitem status by increasing a capability of the game item. In someembodiments the process modifies the game item status by providing thegame item a new capability.

The process thereafter returns.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a process for determining if a bar code scanmay be used to provide video game play benefits, in accordance withaspects of the invention. In some embodiments the process of FIG. 6 isperformed by a system, for example the system of FIG. 1. In someembodiments the process is performed by one or more portable electronicdevices, for example one or more portable electronic devices of FIG. 1.In some embodiments the process is performed by a smartphone. In someembodiments the process is performed by a smartphone and a server. Insome embodiments the process is performed by a smartphone, a video gamesystem, and a server. In some embodiments the process is performed byone or more processors configured by program instructions. In someembodiments the process performs operations of block 313 of the processof FIG. 3.

In block 611, the process determines whether general scan time limitsare complied with. In some embodiments the general scan time limit is apredetermined number of seconds. In some embodiments the general scantime limit is between a first point in time and a second point in time.In some embodiments the first point in time is measured from a first barcode scan. In some embodiments the second point in time is measured froma second bar code scan. In some of such embodiments the predeterminednumber of seconds is between 0 to 86400 seconds. In some of suchembodiments the general scan time limit increases as more consecutivevalid scans take place. For example, if a first general scan time limitbetween a first valid scan and a second valid scan is 30 seconds, and asecond general scan time limit between a second valid scan and a thirdvalid scan is 30 seconds, a third general scan time to scan a fourthvalid scan may increase to 120 seconds. In some embodiments the secondbar code scan is a rescan of the first bar code scan. In someembodiments the general scan time limit is infinity. If the processdetermines general scan time limits are complied with, the processcontinues to block 613. Otherwise, the process continues to block 619.

In block 613, the process determines whether bar code scan number limitsare complied with. In some embodiments a first bar code may only bescanned once. In some embodiments the first bar code may be scannedmultiple times. In some of such embodiments the first bar code may bescanned an infinite number of times. In some of such embodiments thefirst bar code may be scanned a predetermined number of times, such asbetween 2 to 5 times. In some embodiments the first bar code may bescanned multiple times only if a second or more bar codes are scannedbefore a rescan of the first bar code. If the process determines barcode scan number limits are complied with, the process continues toblock 615. Otherwise, the process continues to block 619.

In block 615, the process determines whether geo-fencing limits arecomplied with. In some embodiments geo-fencing limits restrict scanningto one or more predetermined distinct geographical areas. In someembodiments geo-fencing limits restrict scanning inside thepredetermined distinct geographical area. In some embodiments thegeographical area is a landmark such a pier or a park. In someembodiments the geographical area is a broad area, such as aneighborhood or a city. In some embodiments the process determines ascanning location based on a Global Positioning System (GPS) or aWireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) in communication with the portable electronicdevice. If the process determines geo-fencing limits are complied with,the process continues to block 617. Otherwise, the process continues toblock 619.

In block 617, the process categorizes the bar code scan as valid. Insome embodiments the valid bar code scan allows for setting a game facetstatus modification based on scanning of the bar code. Thereafter, theprocess returns.

In block 619, the process categorizes the bar code scan as invalid. Insome embodiments the invalid bar code scan prohibits setting of a gamefacet status modification based on scanning of the bar code. Thereafter,the process returns.

Although the invention has been discussed with respect to variousembodiments, it should be recognized that the invention comprises thenovel and non-obvious claims supported by this disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for providing video game play benefitsfor scanning of bar codes, comprising: receiving information of a barcode; determining a modification to a facet of a video game associatedwith at least some of the information of the bar code; modifying thefacet of the video game with the determined modification; and providingfor play of the video game.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein theinformation of the bar code is a value.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein the value is a number uniquely indicating a manufacturer and aproduct.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the facet of the video gameis availability of at least one video game character for control by agame player.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the facet of the videogame is availability of at least one in-game item for use in play of thevideo game.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the facet of the videogame is a characteristic of at least one video game character.
 7. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the facet of the video game is acharacteristic of at least one in-game item for use in play of the videogame.
 8. A non-transitory computer readable memory storing programinstructions, the program instructions comprising program instructionsto configure at least one processor to: receive information of a barcode; determine a modification to a facet of a video game associatedwith at least some of the information of the bar code; modify the facetof the video game with the determined modification; and provide for playof the video game.
 9. The computer readable memory of claim 8, whereinthe information of the bar code is a value.
 10. The computer readablememory of claim 8, wherein the value is a number uniquely indicating amanufacturer and a product.
 11. The computer readable memory of claim 8,wherein the facet of the video game is availability of at least onevideo game character for control by a game player.
 12. The computerreadable memory of claim 8, wherein the facet of the video game isavailability of at least one in-game item for use in play of the videogame.
 13. The computer readable memory of claim 8, wherein the facet ofthe video game is a characteristic of at least one video game character.14. The computer readable memory of claim 8, wherein the facet of thevideo game is a characteristic of at least one in-game item for use inplay of the video game.